An introduction to surfing in the Olympics
Surfing made its debut as an Olympic sport at the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked a significant milestone in the sport’s history, highlighting its growing popularity and global reach. The decision to include surfing in the Olympics was part of a broader initiative to introduce new, youth-oriented sports to the Olympic program, aiming to attract a younger audience and modernize the Games. Surfing joined other new additions such as skateboarding, sport climbing, and karate.
The inclusion of surfing in the Olympics was driven by the sport’s dynamic and visually captivating nature, which resonates with a wide audience. The competition format for Olympic surfing consists of shortboard events for both men and women, featuring 24 male and 24 female surfers. Athletes are selected based on their performance in the World Surf League Championship Tour and the International Surfing Association World Surfing Games, among other qualifying events. The competition takes place over several days, with surfers riding waves and being judged on factors such as difficulty, innovation, and execution of manoeuvres.
Surfing’s Olympic debut took place at Tsurigasaki Beach, approximately 100 kilometres east of Tokyo. The beach was chosen for its consistent wave conditions, providing a challenging yet fair environment for competitors. The event drew significant attention and showcased the unique athleticism and skill required in surfing. The Olympic format involved multiple heats, culminating in medal rounds where the top surfers vied for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The impact of surfing’s inclusion in the Olympics extends beyond the competition itself. It has brought greater visibility to the sport, inspiring new generations of surfers and encouraging the development of surfing infrastructure in various countries. Additionally, the Olympic spotlight has highlighted the importance of ocean conservation, as many surfers are advocates for protecting marine environments. Overall, surfing’s presence in the Olympics has not only celebrated the sport’s rich cultural heritage but also emphasised its relevance in contemporary athletic competition.
Now, let’s dive into the exciting plans for surfing at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Surfing at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Building on its successful debut, the Paris 2024 Olympics will continue the tradition of featuring surfing. However, there’s a twist this time around. Unlike Tokyo, the surfing events will not take place in mainland France. Instead, the competition will be held in a location that’s sure to make waves in the surfing community Tahiti, a French overseas territory located in the South Pacific, known for its world-class waves and stunning natural beauty. This choice emphasizes the commitment of the organizers to provide optimal surfing conditions and highlight the sport’s connection to diverse and picturesque coastal environments.
The decision to host the surfing events in Tahiti was primarily influenced by the desire to ensure high-quality waves and an authentic surfing experience. Teahupo’o, the chosen venue, is famous for its powerful and challenging reef break, considered one of the most formidable waves in the world. This location promises to test the skills of the world’s best surfers to their limits, providing a thrilling spectacle for viewers and a true test of athletic prowess for the competitors.
The format for the surfing competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics will remain consistent with the structure introduced in Tokyo. Both men’s and women’s shortboard events will be featured, with a total of 24 male and 24 female surfers competing. The qualification process will be based on performances in the World Surf League Championship Tour, the International Surfing Association World Surfing Games, and other designated events. This ensures that the elite surfers representing their countries are among the best in the world.
The competition in Tahiti will unfold over several days, with athletes competing in a series of heats. Surfers will be judged on their performance, focusing on criteria such as the difficulty of manoeuvres, innovation, and overall execution. The event will culminate in the medal rounds, where the top surfers will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Surfing’s inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics is expected to further elevate the sport’s global profile, continuing to attract new fans and participants.
Speaking of stunning locations, let’s take a closer look at the breathtaking venue chosen for the Olympic surfing events.
The Olympic Surfing Venue: Teahupo'o, Tahiti in French Ploynesia
Imagine a place where nature’s raw power meets human skill and bravery. That place is Teahupo’o. often referred to as the “end of the road” due to its remote location, is a small village on the southwestern coast of Tahiti in French Polynesia. It is world-renowned for its incredibly powerful and often intimidating surf break, which has earned it a legendary status among the global surfing community. The name Teahupo’o translates to “place of skulls,” a moniker that reflects both the break’s challenging nature and the historical significance of the area.
The Wave
Teahupo’o’s wave is famous for its heavy, hollow barrels and the sheer force with which it breaks over a shallow coral reef. The wave is unique due to its ferocity and the abruptness with which it rises from deep ocean swells, creating a thick, curling lip that can make for spectacular rides or punishing wipeouts. The reef sits just a few feet below the surface, adding an extra layer of danger to surfing here. When conditions are right, the waves at Teahupo’o can reach heights of over 20 feet, making it a proving ground for the world’s most skilled and fearless surfers.
Surfing Competitions
Teahupo’o has hosted numerous prestigious surfing competitions, most notably the Billabong Pro Tahiti, a key event on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. This competition attracts the top professional surfers from around the globe, all eager to test their mettle against one of the most challenging waves in the world. The event is celebrated for its thrilling displays of athleticism and bravery, as surfers navigate the massive barrels and navigate the reef with precision and skill.
The Setting
Beyond its waves, Teahupo’o is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. The village is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, steep mountains, and crystal-clear waters, making it a stunning backdrop for both visitors and athletes. The area is relatively undeveloped, preserving its natural charm and providing a sense of tranquillity and isolation. The pristine environment and rich marine life also make it a popular spot for diving, snorkelling, and other water-based activities.
Cultural Signficance
Teahupo’o holds cultural significance for the local Tahitian community. The ocean and the waves are deeply ingrained in Polynesian culture, and surfing has been a part of life in the region for centuries. The respect and reverence for the sea are evident in the way locals interact with their environment, emphasizing sustainability and the preservation of their natural heritage. The arrival of international surfing competitions has brought global attention to Teahupo’o, but the local community continues to maintain its traditions and cultural identity.
Impact Of The Olympics
Hosting the surfing events for the Paris 2024 Olympics at Teahupo’o is expected to further elevate its profile and highlight its significance within the surfing world. The international spotlight will not only showcase the wave’s legendary status but also bring attention to Tahiti’s unique culture and natural beauty. This event will likely inspire new generations of surfers and contribute to the global appreciation of surfing as both a sport and a way of life.Â
There has been some criticism of the environmental impact of hosting the Olympics at the venue, One of the primary causes for controversy regarding the Olympics at Teahupo’o is the new judging tower to be installed on the reef facing the wave. It’s huge, built from aluminium, and the installation has already caused damage to the reef ecosystem. Olympic organisers have heard the environmental concerns from the locals and activists. They have scaled back the judging tower. But they’re still moving forward, regardless. And when it’s all said and done, the damage Paris 2024 will cause to Teahupo’o remains to be seen.
With the stage set, you might be wondering: how do surfers earn their spot in this prestigious competition? Let’s break down the qualification process.
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Qualification Process for Surfing at the Olympics
Securing a place in the Olympic surfing lineup is no easy feat. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the process is overseen by the International Surfing Association (ISA) in collaboration with the World Surf League (WSL). Here are the main pathways for qualification:
- World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT):
- Men’s and Women’s Divisions: The top 10 men and the top 8 women from the 2023 WSL Championship Tour rankings will qualify for the Olympics.
- Limitation: Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) can qualify a maximum of 2 surfers per gender through the WSL CT.
- ISA World Surfing Games:
- 2023 ISA World Surfing Games: The highest-placed eligible male and female surfers from each of the four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania) will earn a spot in the Olympics.
- 2024 ISA World Surfing Games: The top 4 eligible male and top 6 eligible female surfers will qualify. Additionally, if the 2023 winners are not the highest-placed surfers in 2024, they can earn another spot, ensuring the best competitors get through.
- Pan American Games:
- 2023 Pan American Games: The winners in the men’s and women’s shortboard events will qualify for the Olympics.
- Host Country Allocation:
- France: As the host country, France is guaranteed one spot per gender (one male and one female surfer), provided they have not qualified through other pathways.
- Universal Places:
- Two slots (one per gender) are reserved for universal places to promote global representation. These are determined by the Tripartite Commission.
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Additional Details and Regulations:
- Maximum Quota: Each National Olympic Committee can enter a maximum of 2 male and 2 female surfers.
- Eligibility: Surfers must meet the eligibility criteria set by the ISA and their respective NOCs.
- Replacement: If a surfer qualifies through multiple events or if a surfer from a particular nation exceeds the quota, the next eligible surfer will be selected according to the ranking or event results.
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Summary of Spots:
- Total Spots: There are 24 male and 24 female spots available for Olympic surfing.
- WSL CT: 10 men, 8 women
- ISA World Surfing Games 2023: 4 men, 4 women (continental spots)
- ISA World Surfing Games 2024: 4 men, 6 women
- Pan American Games 2023: 1 man, 1 woman
- Host Country: 1 man, 1 woman (France)
- Universal Places: 1 man, 1 woman
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This structured qualification process ensures that the surfers competing in the Olympics are among the best in the world, representing a diverse array of countries and maintaining a high level of competition. The various pathways also provide opportunities for emerging surfers from different regions to qualify and showcase their talent on the global stage.
Now that we understand the general qualification process, let’s take a deeper dive into the specific roles of two major organisations in this process: the ISA and the WSL.
ISA Qualification Process for the Olympics
The International Surfing Association (ISA) plays a crucial role in shaping the Olympic surfing landscape for surfers aiming to compete in the Olympic Games. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the ISA has outlined specific qualification pathways to ensure that the best surfers from around the world can earn their spot. Here is a detailed look at the ISA qualification process:
1. ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) 2023
- Continental Quotas:
- The highest-placed eligible surfer in the men’s and women’s divisions from each of the four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania) will earn a spot in the Olympics.
- This means a total of 4 male and 4 female surfers will qualify through this pathway.
2. ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) 2024
- Top Finishers:
- The top 4 eligible male and top 6 eligible female surfers from the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games will qualify for the Olympics.
- This pathway provides additional opportunities for surfers who may not have secured a spot through the previous year’s World Surfing Games or the WSL Championship Tour.
3. Additional ISA Provisions and Considerations
- Eligibility: Surfers must meet the eligibility requirements set by both the ISA and their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
- Reallocation of Spots: If a surfer qualifies through multiple pathways or if a nation exceeds its quota, the next eligible surfer from the respective event or ranking will be selected.
- Universal Places: The ISA ensures inclusivity by reserving two slots (one per gender) for universal places, decided by the Tripartite Commission. This provision aims to promote global representation, particularly from nations with less established surfing programs.
Summary of ISA Qualification Spots for Paris 2024:
- ISA World Surfing Games 2023:
- Men: 4 spots (one from each continent: Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania)
- Women: 4 spots (one from each continent: Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania)
- ISA World Surfing Games 2024:
- Men: 4 spots
- Women: 6 spots
Detailed Steps and Considerations:
- Competition Structure:
- The ISA World Surfing Games are held annually and bring together top surfers from around the world, representing their countries.
- Surfers compete in multiple rounds of heats, with judges scoring them based on criteria such as wave selection, difficulty, innovation, and execution of manoeuvres.
- Continental Representation:
- By allocating spots to the highest-placed surfers from each continent in the 2023 WSG, the ISA ensures a diverse representation of nations in the Olympics. This approach helps to promote surfing in regions that might not have as strong a presence on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
- Final Qualification Push:
- The 2024 WSG serves as a final opportunity for surfers to qualify for the Olympics. With a greater number of spots available for women, this also addresses gender balance and promotes the growth of women’s surfing globally.
- Universal Places and Host Nation Allocation:
- The ISA’s allocation of universal places ensures that emerging surfing nations have a chance to participate in the Olympics, enhancing the sport’s global reach and inclusivity.
- The host nation, France, is guaranteed one spot per gender, further supporting local representation.
The ISA’s structured and inclusive qualification process not only identifies the best surfers for the Olympics but also fosters the sport’s development across different regions.
Complementing the ISA’s efforts, another key player in the qualification process is the World Surf League. Let’s explore their role.
WSL Qualification Process for the Olympics
The World Surf League (WSL) plays a significant role in the qualification process for surfers aiming to compete in the Olympic Games. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the WSL Championship Tour (CT) serves as a primary pathway for surfers to qualify. Here’s a detailed look at how the WSL qualification process works:
WSL Championship Tour (CT) Qualification
- Men’s Division:
- Top 10 Surfers: The top 10 ranked male surfers at the end of the 2023 WSL Championship Tour will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- NOC Quota: Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) can qualify a maximum of 2 male surfers through the WSL CT. If more than 2 surfers from the same country are in the top 10, only the top 2 will qualify, and the next eligible surfer(s) will be selected.
- Women’s Division:
- Top 8 Surfers: The top 8 ranked female surfers at the end of the 2023 WSL Championship Tour will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- NOC Quota: Similarly, each NOC can qualify a maximum of 2 female surfers through the WSL CT. If more than 2 surfers from the same country are in the top 8, only the top 2 will qualify, and the next eligible surfer(s) will be selected.
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Qualification Details and Process:
- Competition Format:
- The WSL Championship Tour consists of multiple events held in different locations around the world, featuring both men’s and women’s divisions.
- Surfers accumulate points based on their performance in each event. The points system rewards higher finishes with more points, and the overall rankings are determined by the surfers’ best results throughout the season.
- Event Structure:
- Each event on the WSL Championship Tour involves multiple rounds, including elimination rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
- Surfers are judged based on criteria such as wave selection, degree of difficulty, innovation, combination of manoeuvres, and overall execution.
- Scoring and Rankings:
- The WSL uses a sophisticated scoring system where judges award points on a scale of 1 to 10 for each wave ridden, considering factors like difficulty and execution.
- Surfers’ rankings are updated after each event, and the top-ranked surfers at the end of the season are those with the highest cumulative points.
- NOC Representation:
- The limitation of 2 surfers per NOC ensures a diverse representation of nations in the Olympics. This rule prevents any single country from dominating the qualification spots and promotes broader international participation.
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Advantages of WSL CT Qualification:
- High Level of Competition:
- The WSL Championship Tour is widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional surfing, featuring the best surfers in the world. Qualifying through the WSL CT ensures that the Olympic competitors are among the elite athletes in the sport.
- Global Reach and Visibility:
- The WSL CT events are held in various iconic surf locations worldwide, providing a global platform for surfers to showcase their skills and earn recognition.
- The extensive media coverage and live broadcasts of WSL events help promote the sport and its athletes, increasing visibility and support.
- Merit-Based Qualification:
- The points-based ranking system ensures that only the most consistent and high-performing surfers over the course of the season earn a spot in the Olympics.
- This meritocratic approach rewards athletes for their dedication, skill, and competitive success.
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Summary of WSL CT Qualification Spots for Paris 2024:
- Men’s Division: Top 10 ranked surfers from the 2023 WSL Championship Tour.
- Women’s Division: Top 8 ranked surfers from the 2023 WSL Championship Tour.
- NOC Quota: Maximum of 2 surfers per gender per NOC.
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By leveraging the WSL Championship Tour, the qualification process for Olympic surfing ensures that the most talented and competitive surfers from around the world can compete on the sport’s biggest stage. This process not only highlights the elite level of professional surfing but also promotes a fair and inclusive approach to Olympic qualification.
So, with all these qualification pathways, you might be wondering: who’s made the cut? Let’s check out the roster of qualified surfers.
Who are the qualified surfers?
| NOC | Gender | Name | Name | Date of Birth | Qualification Pathway | Stance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Male | Ethan | EWING | 2 Sep 1998 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| Australia | Male | Jack | ROBINSON | 27 Dec 1997 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| Brazil | Male | Joao | CHIANCA | 30 Aug 2000 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
| Brazil | Male | Gabriel | MEDINA | 22 Dec 1993 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| Brazil | Male | Filipe | TOLEDO | 16 Apr 1995 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| El Salvador | Male | Bryan | PEREZ | 10 Sep 1999 | Universality Place | Regular |
| France | Male | Joan | DURU | 25 Apr 1989 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| France | Male | Kauli | VAAST | 26 Feb 2002 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| Germany | Male | Tim | ELTER | 5 Oct 2003 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
| Indonesia | Male | Rio | WAIDA | 25 Jan 2000 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
| Italy | Male | Leonardo | FIORAVANTI | 8 Dec 1997 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| Japan | Male | Kanoa | IGARASHI | 1 Oct 1997 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| Japan | Male | Reo | INABA | 24 Mar 1997 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| Japan | Male | Connor | O'LEARY | 12 Oct 1993 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| Mexico | Male | Alan | QUINONEZ CLELAND | 19 Jun 2002 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
| Morocco | Male | Ramzi | BOUKHIAM | 14 Sep 1993 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| New Zealand | Male | Billy | STAIRMAND | 21 Oct 1989 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
| Peru | Male | Alonso | CORREA | 3 Jan 1998 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
| Peru | Male | Lucca | MESINAS | 20 Apr 1996 | Pan American Games | Regular |
| South Africa | Male | Matthew | McGILLIVRAY | 26 Mar 1997 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| South Africa | Male | Jordy | SMITH | 11 Feb 1988 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| Spain | Male | Andy | CRIERE | 7 Aug 1995 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy |
| United States | Male | Griffin | COLAPINTO | 29 Jul 1998 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| United States | Male | John John | FLORENCE | 18 Oct 1992 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular |
| NOC | Name | Date of Birth | Qualification Pathway | Stance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Yolanda Hopkins | 26 Nov 2002 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| Australia | Tyler WRIGHT | 31 Mar 1994 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular | |
| Brazil | Taina HINCKEL | 8 May 2003 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| Brazil | Luana SILVA | 7 May 2004 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| Brazil | Tatiana WESTON-WEBB | 9 May 1996 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| Canada | Sanoa DEMPFLE-OLIN | 3 Jul 2005 | Pan American Games | Goofy | |
| Costa Rica | Brisa HENNESSY | 16 Sep 1999 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular | |
| France | Johanne DEFAY | 19 Nov 1993 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular | |
| France | Vahine FIERRO | 2 Dec 1999 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| Germany | Camilla KEMP | 30 Jan 1996 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| Israel | Anat LELIOR | 29 Apr 2000 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| Japan | Shino MATSUDA | 13 Aug 2002 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| New Zealand | Saffi VETTE | 31 Dec 2001 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| Nicaragua | Candelaria RESANO | 2 Jan 2006 | Universality Place | Regular | |
| China | Siqi YANG | 10 Feb 2009 | Regular | ||
| Peru | Sol AGUIRRE | 18 Jul 2003 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| Portugal | Teresa BONVALOT | 7 Oct 1999 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Goofy | |
| Portugal | Yolanda HOPKINS | 2 Jun 1998 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular | |
| South Africa | Sarah BAUM | 26 Jan 1994 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| Spain | Nadia EROSTARBE | 27 May 2000 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| Spain | Janire ETXABARRI GONZALEZ | 3 Mar 2005 | ISA World Surfing Games | Goofy | |
| United States | Caroline MARKS | 14 Feb 2002 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Goofy | |
| United States | Carissa MOORE | 27 Aug 1992 | World Surf League Championship Tour | Regular | |
| United States | Caitlin SIMMERS | 26 Oct 2005 | ISA World Surfing Games | Regular |
When is the surfing in the olympics and where can I watch it?
Mark your calendars, surf fans! The Olympic surfing spectacle is set to unfold…
The surfing schedule runs from the 27th July to the 31st July, with the gold medals being decided on the 31st July. The men’s final will be at 03:30 CET and the women’s will be at 04:00 CET. The 1st August to the 5th August are reserve days should the conditions not cooperate during the normal schedule.Â
In the UK you will be able to watch the surfing competition on the BBC iPlayer and highlights on BBC One and BBC Two.
As we look forward to the Paris 2024 surfing events, it’s natural to wonder: what does the future hold for surfing in the Olympics? Let’s peer into the crystal ball.
What next for Surfing in the Olympics
As of the latest updates, surfing is expected to continue as an Olympic sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Its successful debut in the Tokyo 2020 Games and its inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics highlight the sport’s growing popularity and the appeal it brings to a younger audience.
Current Status and Prospects:
- As of now, surfing’s successful inclusion in both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 sets a positive precedent for its continuation in Los Angeles 2028. The ongoing popularity of the sport and its successful integration into the Olympic program are strong indicators that surfing will likely remain part of the Olympic Games.
- However, the official confirmation will depend on future decisions by the IOC and the organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. They will assess factors such as the sport’s popularity, logistical feasibility, and alignment with the overall goals of the Games.
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In summary, while official confirmation is pending, all signs point to surfing continuing as part of the Olympic program in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, reflecting its growing appeal and the successful integration seen in previous Games.
Being as Los Angeles is not only a historic and cultural hub for surfing but also an ideal location to host Olympic surfing events. With its world-renowned surf spots, such as Malibu and Huntington Beach, well-established infrastructure, and a deep connection to surf culture, the city is well-prepared to deliver a memorable and impactful surfing competition at the 2028 Olympics. An event here will continue to elevate the profile of surfing on the global stage and celebrate the sport’s rich heritage and vibrant future.
Olympics Surfing 2024
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to surfing in the Olympics, from its thrilling debut to its promising future. Whether you’re a die-hard surf fan or a curious newcomer, the Olympic surfing events promise to deliver a spectacle of skill, bravery, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. So, grab your board (or your remote) and get ready to ride the Olympic wave!
